Batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits, e.g. exposed terminals can be taped over, each individual battery can be in a protective pouch or separate plastic bag, or batteries can be in their original retail packaging.

Lithium ion cells and batteries up to 100 Watt Hours (Wh) each

The following are allowed in carry-on baggage only*:

Consumer electronic devices containing accepted lithium ion cells or batteries with a rating of not more than 100 Wh each;

Spare lithium ion cells or batteries with a rating of not more than 100 Wh each.

Lithium ion batteries with a rating of 100 but not exceeding 160 Watt Hours (Wh)

A maximum of two (2) individually protected spare lithium ion batteries with a rating of 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh may be carried per passenger in carry-on baggage only*, pending approval by Air Canada airport agents.

Batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits, e.g. exposed terminals can be taped over, each individual battery can be in a protective pouch or separate plastic bag, or batteries can be in their original retail packaging.

Batteries used to power mobility aids

Spillable and non-spillable batteries for battery-powered mobility aids (e.g. wheelchairs) are accepted in checked baggage, but require special handling. See our wheelchair and mobility aid page for more information.

* On smaller aircraft (e.g. Jazz Dash-8 or CRJ) with limited onboard storage space, you’re asked to deposit your carry-on items on a cart as you board the plane. Battery-powered devices and spare batteries must always be removed from carry-on baggage that is deposited on such carts and carried into the aircraft cabin.

Battery-powered vehicles and devices

Battery-powered mobility aids

Spillable and non-spillable batteries for battery-powered mobility aids (e.g. wheelchairs) are accepted in checked baggage, but require special handling. See our wheelchair and mobility aid page for more information.

Drones

Drones are accepted in carry-on baggage on the condition that they remain turned off and safely stowed at all times. They cannot be used onboard the aircraft.

Drones are accepted in checked baggage: the lithium batteries must be removed from the drone and carried onboard in carry-on baggage. Drones must be properly packaged for shipping.

Camping Equipment

The following are only accepted as checked baggage:

A new unused camping stove in its original, unopened package.

A used camping stove that has contained flammable liquid such as kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, propane, butane and isobutene. The used camping stove will be accepted only if:

the fuel tank or fuel cell has been removed from the stove;

the fuel tank or fuel cell has been completely drained of all liquid fuel and rinsed with a neutralizing agent such as cooking oil;

the fuel tank is closed with the cap securely fastened, is wrapped in absorbent material such as a paper towel, and then placed in a polyethylene or equivalent bag. The top of the bag must be sealed or gathered and closed with an elastic band or twine.

Insect repellents (aerosol and non-aerosol) are accepted if they’re non-toxic and non-flammable:

in carry-on baggage provided the canister contains no more than 100ml (3.4oz);

in checked baggage provided the release valve is protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Curling Irons and Lighters

Curling irons:

One (1) gas-operated curling iron with its hydrocarbon gas container is accepted in checked baggage, provided the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element.

One (1) curling iron without the gas container is accepted in carry-on baggage.

Separate gas refills for curling irons are not permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Lighters:

Only one of the following items, intended for individual use, is permitted when it is when carried on one’s person (e.g. in pocket or purse):

One (1) Bic-type butane lighter, OR

One (1) USB lighter, OR

One (1) book of matches

No other type of lighter is accepted in carry-on or checked baggage.

For departures from the United-States, Bic-type lighters are the only lighters accepted past US pre-clearance checkpoints. Fuel refills are not permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Dry ice, Brine or Gel / ice Packs

Dry ice:

Dry ice is often used in the packaging of perishable items (e.g. fish, seafood) to keep them cool.
Items packed in dry ice are accepted in carry-on or checked baggage provided they are properly wrapped/packed to protect against leakage, then placed in a box, carton or container that:

is properly vented to allow for the release of carbon dioxide gas,

is in good condition and free of any damage.

Dry ice must not exceed 2.5 kg (5 lbs) in weight (total weight of 2.5 kg is for carry-on baggage and checked baggage combined per passenger).

Checked baggage restrictions:

If you’re travelling with a dry ice container as checked baggage you must:

arrive at the airport at least one hour prior to departure to allow for proper handling of dry ice, and

sign a declaration form that certifies that the package is in good condition and provides a description of contents.

If your itinerary includes a connecting flight with another airline you may NOT travel with a dry ice container as checked baggage due to special handling requirements.

Brine:

Brine spillage from fish and seafood is corrosive. Lobsters, mussels, oysters etc. must be packaged in leak proof containers and then be packed in plastic bags inside *waxed* cartons.

Gel/ice packs:

Gel and ice packs are subject to all liquid and gel restrictions (see Liquids and gels link above).
If you must keep an item cool you may want to use frozen peas as an alternative to a gel/ice pack.

Exception: gel/ice packs that are used to refrigerate medication are exempt from these restrictions, provided the medication bears a label or is accompanied by a doctor’s/pharmacist’s note stating that refrigeration is required.

Accepted items include alcoholic beverages, perfume, cologne, aerosols and medicines containing alcohol. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

The following items are not accepted in checked or carry-on baggage:

Canned oxygen (also known as recreational or flavoured oxygen)

Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 70% or more

Carry-on baggage

They are in containers of 100 ml/ 100 g (3.4 oz.) or less.

Containers over 100mL/100g (3.4oz) will be confiscated from carry-on baggage at the security checkpoint.

The containers are placed in one (1) clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 1 litre (1 quart).

Portable oxygen cylinders (other than those supplied by us on our aircraft)

Corrosive and Oxidizing Materials

Corrosive materials:

Acids, alkalis, rust preventing or removing compounds, sulphur dioxide solution, chemical kits and mercury are not accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Oxidizing materials:

Bleach, bleaching powder and peroxides are not accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Defence / Incapacitating Sprays

Bear spray, mace and pepper spray are not accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Insect repellents (aerosol and non-aerosol) are accepted:

if they are non-toxic and non-flammable;

in carry-on baggage if the canister contains no more than 100ml (3.4oz);

in checked baggage if the release valve is protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Explosives / Flammable Liquids and Solids

Flammable liquids are not accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage. These include but are not limited to: gasoline, petroleum spirits, oil-based paint, lacquer, stains, shellac, oils, wood alcohol, lighter or heating fuels.Flammable solids are not accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage. These include but are not limited to: matches, charcoal briquettes, and any other ignitable article.

Exceptions:

Only one of the following items, intended for individual use, is permitted when it is carried on one’s person (e.g. in pocket or purse):

One (1) Bic-type butane lighter, OR

One (1) USB lighter, OR

One (1) book of matches

See ‘Curling irons and lighters’ section above.

Papier maché statues/piñatas are accepted in carry-on baggage provided they are transported in a sealed plastic bag. However, the items will be refused if it is determined that they smell of fuel.

Firearms and Ammunition

Passengers travelling with a firearm, ammunition or cartridges must declare the items during the check-in process and complete a declaration form.

Firearms

The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container. One declaration form must be completed for each container.

must be unloaded: when checking in a firearm, customers must sign a declaration form attesting that the firearm is not loaded.

must be rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device mechanism (i.e. a trigger lock), but only after the check-in process has been completed;

must be packed and locked in a specially designed, non-transparent case that can’t be easily broken into during transport.

Travel outside Canada: It’s your sole responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the firearm and ammunition regulations of each country on your itinerary.

Non-compliance can result in the seizure of your firearm.

Only passengers age 18 and over may carry a firearm in checked baggage.

Passengers wishing to travel with a firearm in their checked baggage are advised to be at the airport a full 30 minutes before the normal recommended check-in time for their flight.

See detailed packing instructions as well as important information on other restrictions and charges as they apply to firearms on the hunting equipment page.

Ammunition:

The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container.

Only shells and cartridges are accepted and must be carried in checked baggage. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited.

Ammunition must be packed in a separate, secure and strong container made of plastic, wood or metal. The original fibreboard carton can also be used but it is recommended that the carton be placed in a secondary package such as a re-sealable plastic container. To avoid shock movement, the properly packed ammunition must then be placed inside a suitcase and cushioned with clothing.

Ammunition allowance is limited to 5 kg (11 lb) per passenger. Allowances for more than one passenger cannot be combined into one or more packages.

Paint

Accepted:

Tubes of oil-based and latex paint used by artists are accepted provided the material is packaged in absorbent material and placedin a heavy, plastic leak-proof bag/container.

Prohibited:

Oil-based paint, latex paint, lacquer, stains, shellac, and oils are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage. Please contact your local Air Canada CargoOpens in New Window office for shipment of these items.

Poisons/Toxins

Arsenic, cyanide, insecticides, pesticides/weed killer and other types of poisonous or toxic substances are not accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials - including medicinal or commercial isotopes - and devices that use radioactive materials are not accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage. All such materials must be shipped via Air Canada CargoOpens in New Window.

Smart Bags

A 'smart bag' is a bag that has built-in charging, location tracking or other battery-powered technology.

On smaller aircraft where carry-on bags must be placed in the cargo hold, you will need to remove the battery and bring the battery into the cabin with you.

If you plan on checking your ‘smart bag’, you will first need to remove the battery and bring the battery into the cabin with you. We will not be able to accept your bag as checked baggage if the battery cannot be removed.

Travel to Other Countries

Canada's policy on restricted and prohibited items may vary from that of other countries. Travellers are urged to check with their local airport operator before travelling.

Travel to, from or via the U.S. or the U.K.:

For restrictions that apply to travellers departing from the United States or the United Kingdom, visit:

Travel to European Union countries:

Passengers travelling to European Union (EU) countries are asked to take note of strict regulations that apply to the importation of restricted products such as meat and milk products for personal consumption.

Passengers wishing to bring other types of meat or milk products into the EU must:

obtain, prior to travel, all necessary documentation from official veterinary services of the country from which they are travelling (the documents must state that the goods conform to all requirements for entry into the EU);

declare all such goods and present related documentation upon arrival at an authorized EU border inspection post for veterinary control.

All meat and milk products that do not conform to applicable regulations will be confiscated and disposed of at the EU border inspection post. Failure to declare meat and milk products may result in a fine or criminal prosecution.

Travelling on a codeshare flight?

If your itinerary includes a codeshare flight or a flight with another airline, you must familiarize yourself with the operating carrier's terms and conditions, including those regarding dangerous goods. View a list of Air Canada’s codeshare partners, and links to their respective websites.

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